ON THE ROAD: Options to getting around

Q.I am an 81-year-old woman considering my options before I decide whether to stop driving, but I have difficulty in accessing public transportation from my neighborhood in Anaheim Hills. I can't afford to move, and it's impossible to be mobile in my neighborhood. I understand that I can take ACCESS para-transit service for people with disabilities, which only goes three-quarters of a mile outside of regular, fixed-route bus stops provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority. My scheduled ACCESS stop is on Villa Real near Nohl Ranch Canyon Road, which is an uphill walk for me. I live closer to Shannon Street and Nohl Ranch Canyon Road, which is 1½ miles from an OCTA bus route. Is there any way for Access to stop closer to where I am at?

– Mikki Hoffman, Anaheim Hills

A. If you do decide to stop driving, Mikki, there are several public transportation options available to meet your needs, said OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnik.

By qualifying for ACCESS, you can use an OCTA-funded taxi service that takes you to the nearest bust stop or all the way to your final destination.

The initial fare is $2.70 when you get into a taxi – the same as an ACCESS shuttle fare. The ride is free until the taxi meter hits $10 – which amounts to roughly five miles. Anything beyond that becomes your responsibility to pay. Same-day service can be arranged by calling 714-560-5888, 949-857-7188 or 877-628-2232.

Additionally, the city of Anaheim participates in the OCTA's Senior Mobility Program, funded by Measure M, the countywide half-cent sales tax for transportation projects. For more information on Anaheim's version of the program, call 714-765-4511.

You could also catch a ride to medical and dental appointments through the county's Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program, also funded by Measure M. For questions: the OCTA at 877-628-2232.

"We know how important mobility is to independence, and OCTA is always happy to work with residents to find the best way for them to travel around the county," Zlotnik said.

Q. The westbound 91 freeway always bogs down as you approach Lakeview Avenue in Anaheim. Cars entering at this point cut all the way across just to get to the lanes headed for the southbound 55 freeway, often resulting in a traffic jam. I have also seen several accident and near-misses over the past few years. When the 91/55 connector was re-done several years ago, there was a sign at the entrance of the westbound 91 freeway on Lakeview, stating that there was no access to the southbound 55 freeway. That sign did not last very long. What gives? Why not bring the sign back? It may prevent people from cutting across three lanes in such a short distance just to reach the 55 freeway connector.

– Steve Pena, Yorba Linda

A: We have some great news for you, Steve.

After investigating the site, Caltrans has decided to install a sign – "No Access to Southbound 55 Freeway" – at this location, said agency spokeswoman Yvonne Washington.

(On the Road is checking into whether this is a recommendation or a law and will update readers in the future when the info surfaces.)

The sign should be in place in four to six weeks.

"We thank the traveling public for their questions," Washington said. "As our traveling partners, information we receive from them is valued in the daily operations of our vast transportation system as Caltrans improves mobility across California."

On the Road takes transportation questions from readers of our North Orange County weekly newspapers. You can email questions to ontheroad@ocregister.com. Only the questions placed into the column are answered.